Jumeirah Golf Estates Signs New Agreement With The Toro Company

Rolling replacement program extends decade-long relationship

Jumeirah Golf Estates of Dubai, in United Arab Emirates (UAE), has signed a new agreement with The Toro Company for a rolling replacement program to update its course maintenance equipment as needed. The ultimate goal of the program is to help Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE) keep its turf care equipment fleet operating at peak performance to ensure the best conditions for players and residents.

The new agreement builds on a relationship that began with the construction and opening of the JGE property in 2007. At that time, JGE named Toro as its exclusive supplier of all mowing and specialty equipment, as well as certain heavy-duty utility vehicles.

According to Julian Small, Managing Director Club Operations at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the decision to go with Toro for the rolling replacement program was based on a number of factors. “We were looking for a supplier who could provide the best value for our money, and we utilized a thorough tendering process to make our decision,” Small explained. “The evaluation process was extremely demanding.”

The JGE team completed a technical and commercial appraisal of the candidates, looking at everything from fuel saving and productivity to warranties and after-sales support. Candidates also had to meet certified training requirements, which included operator, technical and European Tour pre-tournament training.

Small said Toro’s quality of build and commitment to research and development also factored into the decision, as well as the competence of Toro’s UAE distributor, Hydroturf International. Hydroturf International is one of the Middle East’s leading golf course and landscaping supply companies, offering a full range of irrigation and turf care products, as well as parts and service support across the entire region.

In addition, JGE grounds staff have used Toro equipment extensively over the past decade, so they are familiar with the durability of Toro products — a must for the demanding conditions of the UAE.

“The climate here in the UAE is one of the harshest in the world for growing turfgrass, with summer temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius, along with high humidity,” added Mark Tupling, agronomy manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates. “That’s why the property demands durable and reliable turf care machinery to operate successfully throughout the almost continuous irrigation season.”

The rolling replacement program will include fairway and rough mowers, sprayers, heavy- and mid-duty utility vehicles, mechanical bunker rakes and material handlers. Current equipment will be replaced with new units as needed, based on the hours of use, condition and importance of each product. Delivery of new equipment will begin in March of 2017.

“We are delighted that Jumeirah Golf Estates has chosen to continue partnering with Toro and our colleagues at Hydroturf International with this new rolling replacement program,” says Andy Brown senior sales manager at The Toro Company. “JGE has used Toro equipment for the past decade, and their decision affirms that we continue to offer them the right combination of quality, service and support moving forward.”

Jumeirah Golf Estates is regarded as one of the most prestigious golf courses in the UAE. Every year,the European Tour’s top 60 golfers compete in front of 65,000 spectators at JGE’s Earth Course for the season ending finale of The Race to Dubai — one of the world’s biggest golf events. The Earth Course at JGE ranked among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World in 2015, and both the Earth and Fire Courses consistently rank among the Top 10 Courses in the Middle East.

Darshan Singh